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White House Re-Affirms Gen. McMaster’s Authority Over National Security Council

By: Zack Duvall

During the White House’s daily press conference, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer reiterated the White House’s full support of newly appointed national security adviser Lt. Gen. Herbert McMaster in shaping the national security council how he deems necessary. This could potentially include any recommendation to remove, top Trump aide and adviser, Steve Bannon from the council’s principals committee.

Spicer told reporters, when asked about recent rumors the issue may present itself as Lt. Gen. McMaster begins day-to-day operations associated with his new role, that any such recommendation would be taken “under serious consideration” by the President.

“The President made clear to him he’s got full authority to structure the national security team the way he wants.” Spicer continued.

When asked specifically about Gen. McMaster’s control of the principals committee, in terms of Bannon’s possible removal, Spicer said Gen. McMaster would “come to the President to make that recommendation.” But indicated that President Trump would have the final say.

The appointment of Steve Bannon, the founder of Briebart a conservative news publication with roughly 45 million monthly readers, to the national security’s principals committee was officially announced last month amid bi-partisan criticism.

Critics of the move worried that Bannon would insert domestic and nationalistic politics into foreign policy decisions made at the highest levels. The Trump administration defended the move at the time saying that Bannon’s “commitment to the American people and security” and citing his knowledge of foreign affairs, figures, and world events qualified him to served on the committee.